Page 22 of Pretty Relentless

“Sounds good.” I make sure I have my things before walking to the mudroom where I left my boots. It takes me a few minutes to get them laced back up, but when I do, I give her my undivided attention. “Enjoy your New Year’s Eve tonight, Ava.”

“Thanks. You too.”

Flashing her a big smile, I can’t help but say, “I’m sure I will. My night is suddenly looking up.”

Exiting her house, I go out the way I came. The moment I’m in the driver’s seat of my truck, I pull up the text from Hallie and fire off a reply.

Me:I’ll be there.

Chapter Seven

Ava

Hallie:Wear a dress. We’re all getting dressed up.

I blink rapidly at the text, hoping it will change. Of course, it doesn’t, which leaves me with one big decision to make. I can show up in something casual and comfortable, as I had originally planned, or I can dig in my closet—way to the very back—and find a dress, as requested.

I don’t dress up. My work attire might consist of slacks and blouses, but I pick for comfort more than style. Now, my friends are asking me to step out of my comfort zone—again—and wear a dress. Off the top of my head, I have the red dress I wore to my cousin’s wedding in Florida and the black dress I bought for Blair and Gabe’s wedding. Since that was just over a week ago, I may have to go with the red one.

Sighing, I pull my options from the closet and take a hard look at the red dress. It’s definitely a summer sundress style, but maybe I could pair it with one of my black sweaters. Then, a memory hits me. I return to my closet and find that black, sparkly sweater I bought a few years back but have never worn. I should have returned it, but I felt guilty, since I bought it at the women’s boutique in town. It wasn’t her fault I purchased the item and then realized it wasn’t really to my taste after I got home.

It has more sequins than I remember, but it’s a gorgeous piece. Wearing it over the dress might be the perfect look I was going for. Plus, the sweater is warm, so I don’t have to worryabout freezing to death in a summer dress on the last day of the year. Knowing I only have two options for shoes, I grab the calf-height black boots and pray it all works together. Though, I suppose if it doesn’t, it’s my friends’ fault for insisting we dress up for a New Year’s Eve party that starts in two hours.

Besides, I have no one to dress up for but myself.

My opinion’s the only one that matters.

I spend the next hour getting ready. Really, I take short breaks to read between hair, makeup, and wardrobe. That’s the real reason it takes me an hour. Otherwise, I’d be done in twenty minutes. Though, I did add a bit more dramatic makeup than I usually wear, as well as curled my hair. I still pulled it all back in a clip to keep it out of my face, but it appears more delicate and elegant than my normal no-fuss ponytail.

Finally, it’s time to head over to Gabe and Blair’s house. Once my place is locked up, I get in my vehicle and back out of the driveway. I’m super grateful to Marcus and happy to have my small SUV back, but my savings account took a small hit in the process.

Speaking of hits to the bank, my mind goes to the quotes Gavin sent to me earlier. They’re not exact, but at least a rough estimate of what it would cost to fix my messed-up roof. As soon as I received the texts, I sent them to Dad for his advice. He suggested I go ahead and do it all at once to ensure the new peak of the porch matched and flowed with the rest of the roof, and while I agree, I cringe when I think about writing that check to cover the expenses.

The biggest decision I have left is shingles verses metal. Personally, I prefer the shingle look better. There’s just something about the metal that makes it all look shiny and out of place, and I definitely don’t like some of the random colors Gavin sent pictures of. Light blue, green, and even a red color is offered, and I hate every one of them. The only color that trulyinterested me was the charcoal gray. In fact, I like it for both the metal and the shingled roof. Plus, the darker gray color will look great with the deep blue siding color I dream about purchasing one day.

There are several cars already here when I pull in, which is crazy because I’m always early. Yet, I find TD’s truck, Logan’s truck, and a few others already here. As soon as I park, I pull out my phone and make sure the text message said seven. Upon confirmation, I slip my phone back into my purse and climb from my vehicle.

Carefully, I make my way up to the front porch of the house Gabe purchased several years ago. It took him a few years, but he slowly remodeled the entire home in his free time—if you can even call it free time when you’re a physician.

Before I even take the first step up, the door flies open, and Blair is there. “I’m so glad you came!” she bellows, opening the storm door and waiting for me to step inside.

“Thank you for the invitation,” I reply, shrugging out of my winter coat and handing it to Blair, who hangs it in the closet. “You are glowing,” I add as I take in her long-sleeved, navy-blue wrap dress that hits just above her knees. It’s classic and stunning on the petite brunette, and she’s paired it with tan ankle boots.

“Oh my gosh, red is your color,” she declares, pulling me in for a quick hug.

I feel my cheeks heat up as I glance down. “Thank you. I admit, I don’t have a lot of dresses, so I had to be creative.”

She waves off my comment. “You look like a million bucks. This sweater is so great. The boutique?” she asks. When I nod, she adds, “I knew it! They have some amazing pieces in there. Come on, let’s get you something to drink.” As we step into the gorgeous kitchen, she says, “We have some non-alcoholic drinks, as well as red and white wine and beer.”

“There she is,” Hallie proclaims, getting up from her stool and walking over to greet us. “Oh my gosh, this sweater is fire.”

I look down once more, grateful the red dress beneath it is covering the cleavage the sweater would have shown without the extra layer. “Thank you.”

“Come on, Hallie and I made tons of snack food this afternoon,” Blair informs me, leading me toward the kitchen island where a massive spread of food waits.

“I told you I would have been more than happy to bring something,” I insist.

“Please, there was no reason. I knew we’d have plenty of food,” Blair replies.

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